Client Worker Relationship Essay

Throughout my adolescence and my experience seeking help, I learned many things. One is that I should not wait for someone to come help but rather ask for the help. As well that at the time of seeking the help, I should not expect the other person to solve my problems but to guide me through my difficulties. I also learned that I did have power even though I felt like I did not. I had the power to choose who to ask help from and the power of when to tell my story that would lead to getting the help I needed. Most important I learned that asking for help is essential, as it creates a true sense of support and empowerment in our lives and in our relationships. I also learn that a great way to motivate someone during a difficult time in their

According to Woods, M.E, and Hollis (1990), the professional should always clearly emphasize that the client-worker relationship is based on ethical values and collaboration. Therefore, the professional's job is not to make decisions for the individual but to teach the individual how to make his or her own decisions (pp. 37). By doing this the professional is ensuring to place boundaries between him/her and the individual. Woods, M.E, and Hollis (1990) also state that the client-work relationship should also be focused on honesty and respect. "The worker should respect the wishes and goals of the client and sometimes offers suggestions or advice-not, however, as directives but as opinions that the client is free to accept or reject" (Woods, M.E. Hollis, 1990, pp. 37). This is because the individual is the expert on his or her life and knows what would be more beneficial for their situation. Also the professional should be teaching the individual how to be resilient on his/her own and not depend on others to make the changes in his/her

I've often seen myself and my positionality as Hispanic Female, as a way of connecting with my clients and showing that I understand our position/roles as a minority. This means not having access to certain amenities and being treated negatively for not speaking English. I did not see my education as a privilege and that in one way or another I am showing superiority to my clients by letting them assume that my knowledge is enough to change their lives. I before did not see myself as a person of power and of privilege, but will now be more aware of what I bring to my client's home. This explains why certain clients have trouble connecting with me, as I am coming to their home with power and control without even meaning to (Goodman, 2011). Learning about positionality and power have a lot helped me see that everyone has power, it's just a matter of looking at their